A Biblical Perspective on What
Science Has Discovered About Emotions
Recently, I requested the book, ‘Why Did God Give Us Emotions?’ from B & B Media. The subject of emotions has always intrigued me and I was very eager to read a book based on emotions, but written from a Biblical perspective.
I no sooner began reading the preface of the book and the following quote from the author jumped out at me…
Over the last 2 decades, I have seen the strengths of science and psychology in helping people and making our lives more comfortable. I’ve also become acutely aware of the inability of science and psychology to address the true source of human misery: sin and our separation from God. ~ Reneau 2009
This quote alone gives the reader great insight into the ‘heart’ of the question, ‘Why Did God Give Us Emotions?’
Reneau focuses on 4 aspects of emotions: subjective, physical, mental and spiritual. He also encourages the reader to recognize how these aspects of our emotions interconnect.
The subjective nature of emotions: This includes how they make you feel, how they focus your energy and attention and how they urge you to take actions to obtain the things you want and avoid the things you don’t want. This aspect of emotions also includes the experiential understanding of events and concepts that is much more powerful than simple knowledge.
The physical side of emotions: This includes the various parts of the brain associated with emotions, the physical reactions they cause in your body and the ways injury, illness or other malfunctions of the brain can affect how you think and feel.
The mental side of emotions: This includes the role that your thoughts and beliefs play in generating emotions and how emotions, in turn, affect your thoughts.
The spiritual side of emotions: This includes the way emotions reveal both your true character and the nature of your relationship with God as you struggle to live in a broken world. It also includes the way emotions give us insights about the nature of God.
‘Why Did God Give Us Emotions?’ had my attention right from the preface. If you are looking for a book that actually addresses the issue of emotions from a Biblical perspective you have found it!
‘Why Did God Give Us Emotions’ is an excellent resource for every Christian’s library. Reneau has included in-depth Biblical research, as well as questionnaires that will help the reader to evaluate his/her own emotions. The author also includes a group study at the end of the book.
Still wondering…‘Why Did God Give Us Emotions?’
Read the book!!!
As you read the book, allow the Holy Spirit to use this tool to do a work deep within your heart. Become ALL that God has designed you to be!
~ Karla Meachem